Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-29

and well does it deserve the title of '.old. !"
II is ably managed and its fairs draw the
people from every part of Maine.
During the period of the life of this
society. agriculture in Maine has not stood
still. and we may mark its progress by a
review Of the growth of our exhibitions.
Formerly this old State fair was held in
rotation in different places in the
State. This Accommodated the peo-
pie who wished to attend, but from the
very nature of the case the stalls, pens.
buildings and fixtures were of the most
temporary character. By location these
fixtures became not only permanent, but
really quite luxurious. Then, by the most
liberal terms ever known among public
corporations. the Maine Central Railroad
through its wise policy of aiding every
State enterprise. practically carried the
benefits and advantages of the State Fair
to every town on its line, almost to every
farmers door in the State. This it did by
carrying absolutely free to the fairs and
returning home absolutely free from them.
all live stock and articles entered for pre-
MUM; and by giving such low rates of
iares that farmers could attend about as
cheap as they could stay at home. The
encouragement which the Maine Central
has thus given to agriculture, and to the
success of our great fairs has been of i'm
mense advantage to the material prosper
ity OF the state. for what helps our agricul-
ture helps every other industry.
Meanwhile the State was growing in
every important element, and products of
new fields we're being brought to new
markets. Railroads penetrated here and
there into Few sections. herds of blooded
stock became numerous, splendid horses
were making our State noted as horse
breeding state second only to Kentucky.
and in every department of farm labor and
effort progress was manifest on every
hand. Should state as large as nearly
all New England beside, requiring full
day for journey across it by
rail, be content with a single
Slate fair? No. Presto, and in a
night. as it were, splendid park. track,
grand stand exhibition halls, land hundreds
of the best built horse stalls and cattle
pens, took shape on Maplewood Park, in
the Queen city of the East, and the East
ern Maine State Fair at Bangor comes into
generous rivalry with her parent society,
and, side by side with the "old" S ate Fair,
work together for the higher development
of the greatest industry of Maine. What
a change for only five years to bring
about. And what crowds of people, what
fine exhibits, what magnificent receipts
have not these two fairs in the old Dirigo
stale witnessed during the past few years.
In no other New England State would it
be possible for two such splendid fairs to
succeed as these in Maine. 1t shows
more than anything the stability of our
people, their interest in agriculture, and
their determination to contribute to the
success of both of these fairs, and to have
a good time while doing so. The coming
fairs will gain witness fine displays in
every department upon these two parks.
and the people OF Maine will be there
too, in such numbers as will guarantee
financial success, and personal improve
ment and good feeling. Success to both
Names State Fairs